A topographical and historical sketch of the town of Andover, in the county of Hillsborough, and state of New Hampshire

TOPOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL

os®^®^

OF THE

IN THE

COUNTY OF HILLSBOKOUGH,

AND

State o? Kew-HaxnpsMve,

BY JACOB B. MOORE.

CONCORD :

PRINTED BY HILL AND MOORE.

^ U. S. /..

1822.

'■i'

K'--

ADVERTISE >1ENT.

The reader cannot expect to find, in the history of so recent a
settlement as that of Andover, much to interest his fancy or im-
prove his mind. It is to the earlier efforts of our pilgrim fathers,
that vre must look for examples of heroic piety and perseverance,
amid the dangers which surrounded them, both of famine and sav-
ag'* war. There is still an inducement to collect the facts in the
early history of even the younger towns, from the reflection that
so much has been lost in the history of the older. Timely exer-
tions only can preserve for the use of posterity, those particulars
concerning events of the present day, which we are all so aax-
ious to know respecting " times of old." With this view, the
writer of the following pages has endeavored to bring into a small
compass, every material fact relating to his native town; and
whether they be valuable or not, his satisfaction rests in having
rescued from forgetfulness circumstances, which, if not interesting
at the present day, may become so to those who shall hereafter oc-
cupy the lands lately cultivated by our fathers.

February, 1892.

SKETCH,

Andover, a post-lown In the ceunty of Hills-
borough, is situated in latitude 4:-» 27' north, and
is bounded on the north by New-Chester, east by
the Pemigewassct river, a branch of the Merri-
mack, which separates the town from Sandborn-
ton; south by Salisbury, and west by Wilaiet —
in length about ten miles from east to west; its
average width four miles from north to south —
containing 29,883 acrefc, or nearly forty-six square
miles.

Pcmigewasset river, which forms the eastern
boundary, is a rapid stream, subject to sudden
swells from the numerous brooks and rivulets
which wind round almost every hill in the vicinity.
This river rise^ on the south-westerly sides of the
White Mountains, and running a southerly course
passes through Lincoln, Peeling, Thornton and
Campton, and by Holderness, Plymouth, Bristol,
New-Chester and Andover, uniting with the Wio-
nepissiegee about two nn'les below Andover. The
two rivers united form the Mernmack. The
Pemigewasset is fordable at several places near
Andover in summer, and even when the waters
are high, the fishermen can sometimes cross on the
rocks jutting out near the falls. Salmon, and a va-
riety of other excellent fish, are annually caught
here, though in less quantities than formerly.
Blackwater river, one of the tributary branches of
the Contoocook, is formed by two small streams,
one of v\hich rises in Danbury, and the other is-
sues from Pleasant pond in INew-London. These
branches unite soon after crossing the westerly

line, and form ths Blackwater, so called from its
dark appearance, which passes rapidly through
the southvvesterlj part of the town into Sahsbitry.
This stream aifords numerous fish, and many £ne
mill-seats.

There are fire ponds in Andover, the largest
of which is called Chance pond, situated in the
easterly part of the town, the outlet of which
passes through Salisbury-Village into the Pemige-
wasset, a little below Webster's falls. This
pond is about two miles in length, diffaring from
one half to three-fourths of a mile in width.
Loon pond lies near the centre of the town, and
is about one mile in length and three-fourths of a
mile in width. There is an island situated in the
easterly part of Loon pond, which has long been
the resort of summer pleasure parties, affording a
beautiful shade and several kinds of wild fruits:
this island contains three or four acres. The other
ponds are called Elb:nv, Adder and JYether. All
of them afford many fish, and in some of the con-
necting streams are found salmon trout.

Andover abounds with hills and dales, being in
some places rocky and barren. On the north is a
range of mountains, which divides the town from
New-Chester. It commences near the Pemige-
wasset river, and extends westwardly about ten
miles to the intersection of the Grafton and fourth
N. H. turnpikes. These mountains are called
Ragged, from their appearance, being in all parts
broken, and in many places bleak and precipitous.
About two-thirds of the southern side are clear-
ed, and afford good pasture lands. In some parts,
settlements have been made, and snug farms form-
ed some way up their sides. These rural im-
provements, with the rocky barrier behind, pre-
sent fiom other eminences a picturesque appear-
ance. A little west of the centre of the range.

there penetrates a stream of water from New-
Chester, on which are situated several mills. In
its passage through a chasm in the mountain, the
water tumbles over a ledge of rocks nearly two
hundred feet in the distance of a hundred rods.
When the stream is raised by heavy rains or melt-
ing snows, the piospect is very interesting and
grand. From the foot of these falls the ascent is
not difficulf on either side the whole distance up.
The hifi^hest summit, which is a little west of the
rivulet, by a late calculation,* is found to be l/i.O
feet above the level of the pond, a little south of
its base. There are several caverns in this range
of mountains, some of which have been explored
to a considerable distance, but contain much rub-
bish, decoyed leaves, limbs of trees, vegetable
mould, bones of animals, &c. The dividino- line
between Andover and New-Chester passes" over
the summit of the Ragged Mountains.

The soil of this town is in many parts very good,
producing excellent wheat, rye and corn, and is in
general good for orcharding, and for other fruits
common in this part of the country. Experiments
have frequently been made wish trees more com-
mon m a southern latitude, but none have been
brought to maturity, by reason of the severity of
the winters. The highlands, though hard of
cuUivation, are exceedinojy fertile, a«d some of
the best farms are situated on the hills in the wes-
terly part of the town, and on the southerly sids
of the Ragged Mountains. There is some rich
intervale land stretching ah^ng the Blackwater
river; and en the southern and south-western bor-
ders of Loon and Chance ponds, are some valuable
timber lands, the natural growth being princioallv
hard pine and spruce— much of which has been
conveyed in rafts down the river to Boscawen aud

* By Mr. Benjamin M. Tyler, cf Aadover.

Concnrfl.* The growth of wood, In the other
parts of the town, is principally oak, beech and
su^'-ar-maple. Seventy years a^o, the whole town
was a forest, inhabited onl) l)y wild beasts. From
its first settlement until within a few years, the in-
habitants have annuallv supplied themselves with
sugar from their own farms; but the trees now be-
ginning to decay, and little pains being taken in
their preservation, this branch of domestic econo-
my is almost wholly neglected.

In some parts of the town, near the Ragged
Mountains, are found masses of excellent granite,
■which has as yet been made but little use of.
There is also every indication of iron ore in the
southerly part of the range. In passing over the
lodges, it has invariably been found that the nee-
dle was more or less attracted. Considerable
quantities of iron ore have been taken from the
southern borders of Lojn pond. Black lead of
superior quality has also been frequently found at
the foot of the mountains. These circumstances
certainly indicate the existence of some valuable
minerals in this mountainous range, and should m-
vite the attention of those versed in miueralogical

science.

The woods of Andover, when the proprietors
of the tract first entered upon their lands, were^
plenlilu'-ly stocked with game. Moose, deer,
bears, wild-cats, kc. were every day to be seen,
and the settlers were obliged tocuard the.r flocks
from their midnight incurhions. Deer were very
numerous, and so late as 1783, the town voted a
premium of five dollars for every deer k.lled by
the inhabi ants. Beavers, otters, and other quad-
rupeds, were also common, and were for a icw
years a source of profit to the inhabitants.

* The timbers for the Concoid Bridge, when it was first built,
were procured near Chance pond.

The fourth New-Hampshire Turnpike passes
through the nortliwebterri part of Andover and
intersects with the Graflou turnpike rear the
western hue. In 7t);i, there was but one path
cut through the town near tfie centre, winding
round the pond, and leading back to the Peinige-
wasset. The lu)cs between Salisbury* and An-
dover were ^;erambula!ed and naiked this year
by the select?nen of both towrs; and soon after
the boundaries between Andover and New-Ches-
ter were established in like manner. The roads
through this town aie now good, and the inhabit-
ants are constantly imjiioving them.

Travellers passing over the stage-road through
Andover, have but an imperfect view of its soil.
They can iitdecd see little but the bleak and con-
fused pile of the Ragged Mountains on the north,
and the darkly wooded sides of the Kearsarge on
the west, Ti:ere are several convenient d'.\el-
lings, and good farm* situated on tne turnpike; al-
so three public houses and the post office. And a
meeting-house is soon to be erected in that part of
the town. B.it the principal settlements, and the
oldest and best cultivated farms are situated in the
centre of the town. The first meeting-house,
built in conformity with the conditions of the
grant, was torn down in 1795— and the present
one erecteu on the 3d of May, 1796, and dedica-
ted to the service and honor of the Christian re-
ligion Jan. 5th, 1797. This house is a spacious
and well finished building, but is now decaying,
having never been painted. Its cost was about
$2:.O0. There are now in the town ot Andover
p.bout 2i5 dwelling-houses; 4 stores ; 4 taverns;
5saw-milis; 3 grist-mills, with double runs of
stones in each ; 2 carding machines; 2 clothing

* O ;.rinally called Slcvens-Town, from the name of one of tL«
grantees.

2

10

mills ; 2 bark mills, and 2 tanneries. The first
saw-mill was buih in 1767, the proprietors grant-
ing 40/. to the person \Aho built it, tofjether with
the water privile2:e and site, " on condition tha* h©
should saw all the loojs which the proprietors
should haul to the mill, at the halves (or ten
years." The number of inhabitants was in ]77»%
179; in 1790, 645; in 1800, 1133; in 1810, 1259;
and in 1820, 1642 — giving for this latter year an
average of about seven persons for each family.
The body of inhabitants are industrious farmers,
raising ordinarily a surplus with which to furnish
their families the " httle necessaries," which com-
mon custom or inclination invites them to procure.

Andover was granted by the proprietors* of
lands purchased of John Tufton Mason in 1746,
to the following persons, viz:

Edmund Brown, William Swain, Archelaus
Lakeman, John Hoyt, John Brown, Daniel Cram,
Nathan Row, Amos Dwinell, Daniel Sanborn,
John Sanborn, Joseph Gove, Benjamin Leavitt,
Nathan Longfellow, David Norton, Walter Wil-
liams, Benjamin Swett, jun. Ber.jamin Shaw, Ben-
jamin Tilton, Joseph Presctt, Tnomas Sill«a,t
Israel Blake, John Ellis, Daniel Weare, Nathan-
iel Healey, Benjamin Sanborn, Robert JViiller and
Tobias Lakeman, of Hampton Falls.

Edward Brown and Jonathan Beck, of Salis'
bury, Mass.

Samuel Bathrick, of Portsmouth.

Ezekiel Worthen, Joseph Weare, Samuel
Blake,jun. John Chapman, Samuel Blake, Nathan
Dow, Samuel French, William Brown Clougb,

* Tlie names of the original proprietors or grantors of Andover,
were, Theodore Atkinson, Mark H, VVentworth, Richard Wibird,
John Wentworth, George Jaffrej , Samuel Moore, iVathaniel Mes-
serve, Thomas Packer, Thomas Wallingford, Jotham Odiorne, Josh-
ua Pierce and John Moffat.

\ So spelt in the original grant.

n

Jesse Prescutt, and Ebenezer Loverin, of Ken-
sin^ton.

Anthony Emery, John Marston, Simon Marston,
Joshua Towie, Daniel Marston, John Leavitt, Jon-
athan Leavitt and Nathaniel Bachelder, of
Hampton.

Samuel French, Richard Smith, Benjamin Ea-
ton, Joseph French, Hezekiah Carr and Benjamin
French, of South- Hampton and Hampton-Falls.

David Page, David Lowel, Naason Cass and Jo-
seph Rawlins, o/ Exeter.

Jonathan Sanborn, of Kingston ; and Robert
Calfe, oj Chester.

The boundaries of the grant were thus descri-
bed— "Beginning at a great rock on the westerly
side of Pemigewasset river, which rock is the
north-easterly bound ot a tract of land granted
to Ebenezer Stevens, Jedidiah Philbrick and oth-
ers, by said propriet"trs; then running W. 17* S.
10 miles; then beginning again at said rock, run-
ning up said river so far as to contain four miles
upon a strait line; thence W. 17° S. 10 miles;
thence on a strait line to the end of the first ten
mile line."

The conditions imposed upon the grantees were
as follow: — "That fifteen tamilies be settled
upon said tract of land, each havinor a house of
sixteen feet square at least, or equal thereto, and
four acres of land cleared and fitted for tillatre or
mowing tipon their respective shares, within four
years next after the granting hereof; and fifteen
families more, so settled, within six years from the
granting hereof; and thirty families more within
ten years from the granting hereof. That within
ejght years Irotn the granting hereof a meeting-
house be built for the worship of God, and fitted
for that purpose for the use of the inhabitants
there; and that they maintain and support the

12

constant preaching of the gospe! there after the
expiration of ten years from the ^rantin^ hereof.
Trial all ivfiite-pme trees, Jit for mnsfing the royal
navy, be and hereby are rese ved and granted to his
Majesty, his heirs and successors forever for that
ptrpose. Provided alwiys, thit in case of an In-
dian ivar within any of the terms of year's above
limited for the doing any of the said matters and
things aforesaid, by the said owners to be done,
the samenumf>er of years as such war shall last
shall be allowed after that impediment &hall be
removed."

The town was divided into eiirhty-onc rights,
eighteen of which were reservetl by the grantors,
one for the first ordained minister, one for the
parsonage, and one for the support of schools.
The remaining sixty rights, consistiijg each of two
lots of 100 acres and one of 80 acres, belonged to
the sixty grantees.

Ai]dover was originally called JYeiv Breton, in
honor of those brave men who achieved the cap-
ture of Cape Breton in 1745,* Of the forces
which were engaged in this enterprize, New-
Hampshire furnished about five hundred men,
chiefly in one regiment of eight companies under
the command of Col. Samuel Moore. Most of

*T^e island of Cape-Breton is situated between latitude 45*. and
47' N. about 15 leagues distant from Cape-Ray, the S. VV. extremi-
ty of Newfoundland — beinji; separated from the main land of Nova-
Scotia ijy a narrow strait of six leag-ues in length. This island had
been deemed of little importance by the E'lg'iish and French, who
had successively held possession of it, uniil the beginning- of the
last century, when the latter became aware of its importance, from
its central situation and the convenience of its ports. They ac-
cordingly built a fortified town on the S. E side of the island, two
miles and a quarter in circumference, to which they gave the nam»
of Ljuisbourgh. It was fortified in every accessible part with a
rampart of stone from 30 to 36 feet in height, and a ditrh 80 feet
wide. It was so strong as to be styled " the Dunkirk of America."
For the particulars relating to the capture of Cape-Breton, the
reader is referred to Belknap's Hist. N. H. vol ii. and Mass. Hist.
Coll. vol. i. of the iirst series.

13

the grantees of Andover were out in this expedi-
tion, the result of which, says Dr. Belknap, "fil-
led America with joy, and Europe with astrnish-
uient." Waiter VVilliams commanded a company
in the recjiment of Col. Moore, and Anthony Eme-
ry was the regimental surgeon. Capt. Williams
vvaea brave commander, and amons the most re-
spectable inhabitants of Hampton-Falls. Dr. Em-
ery vvasa£jentlemak)of liberal education, and grad-
uated atHai-vard College in 1730. Some of his
descendants now live in Andover. This town re-
taired the name of New-Breton until June 25,
1779, when it was incorporated by the name it
now bears.

■'The first inhabitant of Andover was Joseph
Fellows, who moved into town from Boscawen in
1761. His daughter Peggy, (now Mrs. Woodbu-
ry, of Corinth, Vl.) was the first child born in
town, and she is now 58 years of age. Mr. Fel-
lows died March 14, 1811, aged 84., Elias Raina
was the next settler, and William Morey the
third: both came into town soon after Mr. Fel-
lows. Mr. Raino died Sept. 20, i787; Mr. Mo-
rey in 1814. Edward Ladd, another of the first
settlfrs, moved in soon after Mr. Morey. His
grandfather, Nathaniel Ladd, emigrated from
Scotipnd in the latter part of the seventeenth
century, and his father settled in Exeter, where
he was born. He was a soldier in the " old
French war," as it is called, which commenced
in 1744 — was an industrious man, and acquired a
good estate. He died July 22, 1818, ag( d b2.
His son, John, was the first male child born in
Andover.

The first settlement of the town progressed
very slowly, the inhabitants being subjected to
Djarjy and great privations. They were unable
to procure bread-stuif without travelling ten or

14

fiheen miles, and were then obliged to convey it
home on their backs. The woods supplied them
with animal food, which they took in abundance
with their guns and traps. There were no inhab-
itants north from whom they could receive assist-
ance, and the difficulties of a communication with
those situated below them, rendered their situa-
tion less pleasing. The men of those days, how-
ever, pa-taking of the spirit coraraon to New-
Einrlanders, overcame all difficulties by persever-
ance, and secured to their families a quiet and
peaceful possession — making the wilderness re-
sound with human activity, and planting gardens
amid the shaggy and barren mountains.

It may be said with justice of the early set-
tlers of this country, that the spread of the gos-
pel and the establishment of churches were their
principal objects. We accordingly find these ob-
jects distinctly provided for in almost ail the orig-
inal grants of our towns. One ot the conditions
required of the grantees of Andover was, that a
meeting house should be built within eight years
after the grant, and the preaching of the gospel
constantly maintained. The proprietors erected
a convenient house, and preaching was occasional-
ly had; but no minister was formally settled until
i782. In the early part of this year a church
was gathered ; and on the 30th of October, the
Rev. JosiAH Badcock was ordained to its pastoral
charge. He was a native of Mil(on, Mass.; re-
ceived his education at Harvard College, and
graduated in 17*2. He is a good scholar, a chari-
table and industrious man. The church remained
united under his ministry for more than fifteen
years, when many of the members embraced dif-
ferent opinions, or became otherwise alienated;
and the society grew so small, that in 1809, he
proposed resigning his charge. His farewell scr-

15

ffion to the people, ob dissolving his connexion
with them, was oi) affectiouate appeal to their un-
derstandings on the evils of div'sioris and strife
in religious communities, and an earnest exhorta-
tion to them not to forsake the assemblinij of
themselves together for the public worsiiipof God,
even though his exertions had failed to increase
their spiritual blessings, ^'o other congregational
minister was ever settled in town, and there are
now comparatively few of that denomination of
christians. The people are at present somewhat
divided in religious sentiment. The most numer-
ous class are undoubtedly those called Union Bap-
tists.* There are some calvinistic baptists, aad
some congregatienalists; also a society of univer-
salists, incorporated in 1818.

In the year 1801, there was a revival of reli-
gion among the Freewill Baptists; and in 1803,
Elder Elijah Watson, who now resides in Sutton,
was ordained. He remained in this place how-
ever but a few years. In 1810, a great number
were added to the connexion, and Elder Ebene-
zer Chase was ordained, who, with short inter-
ruptions, has preached to the society until very
lately. In 1819 and 1820, a great reformation oc-
curred, under the ministration of those calling
themselves CHRisT-{an5, without any party name;
and the first church, under that appellation, was
gathered here in Sept. 18 i9, and now consists of
167 members. It is in connexion with the " New-
Hampshire Christian Conference," and is now un-
der the pastoral care of Elders Young and Slee-

* The name of Union Baptists has been recently assumed, /or
the purpose of quieting- different opinions. Maoy who were in
union with the Freewill Baptists disliked the name; and we
believe the term Cnion comprehends several classes who differ on
miaor and uuimportaat points.

16

per.* The second church, of the same denomin»
ation, was gathered in May, 1820, and contains
25 members, under the care of EHer Young.
Both these churches form "the First Union Bap-
tist Society of Andover," which is much the lar-
gest rehgious society in town.

In July, 1819, Elder Ebenezer Chase commen-
ced the publication of a periodical paper, called
the ''''Religious Informer,'' issued once a month.
At that time his subscription list amounted to
110; since which it has increased to nearly BOO.
Mr. Chase is both editor and printer, having for
some time used a press of his own contrivance,
and learnt to work at his new employment entire-
ly without assistance. His ()aper is devoted to the
dissemination of the principles of the denomina-
tion to which he belongs, and is as well executed
as some of the country prints where we may sup-
pose the publishers have been regularly educated
in the art.

All sects have a right to assemble at the meet-
ing house, and at seasons of public worship it is
generally occupied by one or the other. It is be-
lieved that in iew places has greater harmony
prevailed amons^ the different denominations, than
in Andover ; and it is to be hoped this christian
liberality, so creditable to the people, will always
characterize them.

There are in Andover fourteen school districts,
in twelve of which are well-finished school-
houses. A public school has for several years
been kept near the centre of the town; and Mr.

* Elder Peter Young- was ordained in York, Me. S<^pt. 9, 1808—
commenced preaching in Deerfield, N. H. in 1812, where he con-
tinued until 1819, when he remjved to Andover. Elder Nehemiah
Sleeper is a native of A'^dover, and was ordained with Elder Wil-
liam True, June 17, 1817, Elder T. died on the llth Oct 181S--
he was a ynun» man of unblemished m^ral chaiacter, nnd much
respected. Elder Jesse Thoiopsou was also ordained to the vpork oi
an evangeUst June 7, 1821.

17

Joseph Notes, \dio died Dec. 23d, 18 18, left funds
in the hands of his Executor to the amount of
ten thousand dollars, beside some real estate, for
the establishment and support of an academy. It
is much to be regretted, however, that the bene-
fits hkelj to result from this munificent bequest,
are restricted by the unfavorable situation located
for the academy.* Had the donor seen fit to have
selected a more convenient and central spot, far
greater present, if not permanent, advantages
must have been derived. It is not, however, be-
coming to complam of the manner of bestowing a
gift, it the gift be valuable ; and the inhabitants
of Andover will long remember with delight their
most distinguished benefactor.

Mr. Noyes was a native of Hampstead in this
state. He commenced business early in life in
Haverhill — thence removed to Salisbury, where
Le continued till within a few years of his death,
when he moved into An^lover. He was from his
youth a very industrious man, and by his own hands
accumulated the estate which he left, amounting
to about ^17,000. He was always punctual to
fulfil every engagement — and was strictly upright
in his dealings. He died at the age ot 64 — lea-
ving the remainder of his property in the hands
of his Executor, Robert Barber, Esq. of Andover,
for the education and support of his three chil-
dren.

Doct. Silas Barnard was the first physician
who settled in town, and was a man of respecta-

♦ Extract from J\Ir. JVbyes' Will.
"/<em 4th I do hereby direct my Executor to take ten thousand
dollars out of my personal property and bank stock, and appropri-
ate It for the support of a public school— said school to be under the
direction ot six directors, who shall at first be appointed hv mv Ex-
ecutor and after that they shall fill their own vacancies The
house for said .u.-hool to be built on the farm on which I noio live—
which farm I also -ive and bequeath for the support of said school,
oaid schooj to be denominated Noyes' School."

18

ble talents, and a useful citizen. He was a native
of B'llton, Mass.— came to Arjdover in 1792, and
died June 25, 1795. Dr. Barnard was a descend-
ant frony Francis Barnard, who, for a while, lived
in Hartford, Con. but removed from thence to
Amherst, Mass. He was the common ancestor
of the distinojuishnd divines of this name who
have been an honor to New Rutland.

Doct. .Jacob Bailey Moore, who succeeded
Dr. Barnard, was born Sept. .% 1772, at George-
town, on the Kenneberk, Maine. His ancestors
were of Scotland, and emigrated to this couritrj in
the earlj part of the last century. His father,
who was also of the medical profession, was a
surgeon on board a public vessel in the revolution,
and was esteemed skilful. Dr. Moore acquired
his education principally by his own industry. He
settled in Andover in 1796, and practised his pro-
fession withgreat success until < 8 1*2, when he re-
ceived the appointment of surgeon's mate in the
11th re.>j;'ment of U. S infantry. He continued
in the service until December of that year, when
he returned to his family much indisposed, and
died of a lung complaint on the lOth of January,
1813 From his youth he had cultivated music,
and composed several excellent pieces, some of
which vv< re published in Holyoke's Repository.
He also had a taste for poetry, and wrote numer-
ous songs and epistles, some of which were pub-
lished in the newspapeis.

The present physicians in Andover, are Doc-
tors Silas Merrill and Tilfon Elkins.

Jonathan Weare, Esq. a much respected and
useful citizen, and who 1 )r Qiany years sustained
some of the most important offices of the town,
wasa native of Seabrook. His grandfather was
a brother of the Hon. Meshech Weare, celebra-
ted as one of the first worthies of New-Hamp-

19

shire. Mr. Weare died on the 18th of January,
I8t6,at the age of bO years. Jonathan Weare
was the first Justice o( 'he Peace in Andover;
and it appears Irom the town records that at a
meeting in i779 he was selected by the inhabi-
tants to be commissio led by the government as a
civil naagistrate. This was ii>deed a high proof
of the confidence reposed in his integrity and jus-
tice.

Mr. William Blake was a native of Kensing-
ton— moved with his father, when a youth, to Ex-
eter— thence came to Andover. He died on the
18th of March, 18 12, aged 62 years. Mr. Blake
was a man ot acute understarjding, and in all the
transactions of life was exceedingly upright and
honorable. He was viewed for many years as one
of the fathers of the town.

Man^ other worthy men, and valuable raera-
beis of society, have lived and died in Andover,
to whose ineujory should we attempt to pay a just
tribute, it would swell this little sketch beyond its
inteiided limits. iSo invidious feelings have gov-
erned the writer, and he trusts the people for
whose use and amusement this history is written,
will receive it as a lespcctlul offerinjj — as a testi-
monial of the writer's best wishes for their perma-
nent welfare. Whatever errors or imperfections
they may Giscover, he hopes will be overlooked,
and charged rather to his ignorance than his in-
tentions.

In closing this sketch, it may not be improper
to glance at a lew things, in which the welfare of
every town is alike concerned. As human society
sprinfi^s from the wants of men, so is it strengthen-
ed and supported by charity and good feelings.
Divisions, or sectional disputes, jealousies, or local
rivalries, should always be discountenanced and pre-
vented. If a town is united, itgentrally prospers.

20

Whilst the pursuits of agriculture engross most
of your attention, and you "live by the sweat of
the brow," jour interest lies also in giving due en-
couragement to your mechanics and tradesmen.
Every profession is honorable, it well followed —
and mutual encouragement it is the policy of all to
give. The advantages of education need not be
mentioned : all must be ready tj admit its value.
It is therefore one of the first duties of magistrates
and private individuals, as well as of communities,
to cherish schools, and provide means for the at-
tainment of this greatest of earthly blessings by
the rising generation. What if our fathers,
when they fixed their homes in the wilderness,
were deprived of the benefits of education ? Is
it a reason why their posterity should be ? By no
means. In proportion as the light of knowledge
illuminates the mind, does man become capable of
happiness, and of sooner estimating the worth of
that Light which is infinite and eternal.

To conclude, I would present for your considera-
tion, the picture of a happy society, drawn by the
worthy Dr Belknap. It is partially applicable to
your situation, and I earnestly hope your exertions
will make it still more so.

" A town consisting of a due mixture of hills, vallies,
and streams of water. The land well fenced and culti-
vated ; the roads and bridges in good repair. Decent
inns for the refreshment of travellers, and for public en-
tertainment. The inhabitants mostly husbandmen ;
their wives and daughters domestic manufacturers ; a
suitable proportion of handicraft workmen and two or
three traders ; a physician and a lawyer ; a clergyman
of good understanding, candid disposition and exempla-
ry morals ; not a metaphysical, nor a polemic, but a se-
rious practical preacher. A school-master, who should
understand his business, and teach his pupils to govern
themselves. A social Library annually increasing, and
under good regulations. A decent musical society. No
intriguing politician, horse-jockey, gambler, or sot. Such
a situation may be considered as the most favorable to
local happiness, of any which this world can aflbrd."

arPEKDix.

NO. 1.

BILL OF MORTALITY FOR 39 YEARS,

Furnished ike compiler hy the Rev. Josiah Badcock.

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17R3

1

2

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1

2

1

1

5

i:s5

1

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1

1

1

1

1

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1

1

1

1

1

5

1788

1

1

1

1

2

1

1

3

11

1789

1

1

1

3

1700

1

1

1

1

4

1791

2

2

1

1

6

1792

1

2

1

1

5

1793

1

1

1

3

1794

2

1

2

2

2

1

10

1795

1

1

1

2

1

2

8

1796

1

1

2

1

1

6

J 797

2

2

2

2

3

2

13

1793

1

1

1

2

1

1

7

1799

1

1

3

1

1

1

1

1

2

12

1300

1

2

1

1

1

1

1

1

9

1801

2

2

1

2

1

1

9

1>J02

2

4

2

2

6

20

3

2

1

42

1803

2

1

1

1

1

4

1

1

1

13

1804

1

1

4

1

1

1

1

1

11

1805

1

1

3

1

1

1

1

1

10

1806

1

2

2

1

4

3

13

1807

1

1

1

4

1

2

10

1808

3

1

5

1

1

1

1

1

14

1809

4

1

1

4

1

2

13

1810

1

1

1

2

1

2

1

9

1811

2

1

1

2

1

1

8

1812

2

6

5

3

1

1

1

1

20

1813

2

1

1

2

1

1

3

2

15

1814

1

2

2

3

1

2

2

13

181a

1

4

1

4

1

2

2

2

17

1816

4

1

4

1

1

3

5

1

20

1817

2

2

2

1

3

1

1

2

1

15

1818

4

1

1

2

1

2

6

8

3

4

2

34

1819

1

2

3

1

1

3

1

1

1

1

2

17

1820
1821

4

3

1

2

2

3

1

2

3

21

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47 1

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37 1

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37 1

30 j

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44 J

^ ]N. B. A mortal sickness (the dysentery) prevailed in 1802;
during whuh year, as will be seen above, 42 persons were swept
away, pno. ipaliy children. In 1812, the typhus fever was general-
ly mortal, being of a very malignant species, and 21 died, chu fly in
the meridian of life. The annual average of deaths for the last
torty years has been about eleven.

22

NO. II.

J\~ames of persons who have represented the town of Andover in the
Li'!^islature of the state, since the adoption of the constitution.

1796 to 1802, Joseph Philbrick.

1803, Jonathan Weare.

1804, J)seph Philbrick.

1805, Jonathan VVeare.

1806, Janob B. Monre.

ISm" t ) 1809, JonUhan Wenre.

1813, Jonathan Weare, jun.

1814, James Tucker.

1815, Jonathan Weare, jun.
1816 and 1817, No representative.

1818, Samuel Graves.

1819, No representative.

1810 to 1812, James Tucker. II 1820 and 182j, Robert Barber.

NO. III.

Selectmen of the town of Andover, since its incorporation in 1779.

1779, J.^seph Philbrick, S imael Blake, Jabez Morrill,

1780, Willia!n Emory, Joseph Chan Her, Jjnathan Weare.

1781, Paul Sinil J Mirston. Joseph Chandler, Thomas Blake;
^782, J )seph Chandler, William Blake, Thomas Sleeper.

1783, Simin Rollings, Joseph Chandler, William Blake.

1784, Jonathan Wcarc, Joseph Philbrick, William Blake.
1705, William Emerj', Joseph Philbrick, Jonathan Weare.

1786, Jonathan Weare, Joseph Philbrick, Paul S. Marston.

1787, Same as in 1786.

1788, Nathan Rowe, Jonathan Wcaro, Tlu.miis Blake.

1789, J inathan Weare, Thomis Blake, William Emery.

1790, Jonathan Weare, Joseph Brown, jr. John Turnll.

1791, Jonathan Weare, John Turrill, Simuel Blake, jr.

1792, Joseph Brown, jr. Jabez iMorrill, Jonathan Weare.

1793, James Tucker, Joseph Philbrick, Silas Barnard.

1794, Jonathan Weare, William Blake, Silas Barnard.

1795, William Blake, Jonathan Weare, Moses Welch.

1796, Moses Brown, Pelatiah Corliss, William Emery.

1797, Jacob B Moore, Joseph Philbrick, Pelatiah Corliss.

1798, Jiseph Philbrick, Willard Emery, John Turrill.

1799, Jonathan Weare, John Turrill, Willard Emery.

1800, Willard Emery, Josiah Hains, Weare Hilliard.

1801, Willard Emery, Weare Hilliard, Joseph Brown, jr.

1802, Willard Emery, Jonathan Weare, Weare Hilliard.
18 >3, Same as 1802.

1804, Samuel Graves, Caleb IMarston, Weare Hillia/d.

1805, James Tucker, Willard Einery, Weare Hilliard.

1806, Willard Emery, Samuel Graves, Weare Hilliard.
T807, Same as in 1806.

1808, Caleb Marston, Samuel Graves, Jacob Easttnan.

1809, Willard Evnery, Jonathan Weare, Moses Brown,
J810, Caleb Marston, John Bailey, Jacob Eastman.

23

1811, Willard Emery, Snmuel Graves, Jacob Eastman.

1812, William Blakr, Samuel Graves, Jacob Eaplman.

1813, Willard Emery, Robert Barber, Jacob Eastman.

1814, Fame as in 1^13.

1815, Ditto.

1816, C'al^b Marston, Robert Barber, Jacob Eastman.

1817, Caleb Marston, Jncob Eastman, Willard Emery.

1818, Samuel Brown, Willard Emery rhir.clias Huntoon.

1819, Samuel Brown, Josiah Babcock, David Buswell.

1820, Same as in 1819.

1321, Samuel Brown, Jacob Eastman, John Simons.

NO. IT.

Town Clerks in Andover^ since its incorporation.'^

1779 to 1792, Jonathan Wcare.
1793 and i794, Silas Barnard.
1795, Jonathan Wearc.
1796 and 1797, Jacob B. Moore.
1798 and 1799, Jonathan Weare
1800 to 1804, Jacob B. Moore.

1805, Jonathan Weare.
1806 to 1810, John Weare.
1811, Willard Emery.
1812 to 1818, Robert Barber.
1819 to 1821, Samuel Brown,

* As early as 1773, when the inhabitants first ororanized their town govern-
ment, Paul Smith Marston was appointed Ton"> Clerk, and continued in oiTice
until 1779, when the town was incorporated by the legislature of this state.

NO. V.

MISCELLANEOUS.

JVames of persons who have commanded militia companies in Andover,

William Emery,
Jos'ah Bachelder,
Josiah Scribncr.

],<rf company.
William Prorlor,*
\ Jacob B iMoore,
William Emery,
Josiah Evans,
Henry Milton,
Henry Emery,
William Hunloon.

2rf compatiy.

Samu 1 E kins,
James Tucker,
Jonathan Weare,*
Micah Kimball,
Joseph Brown.

* William Proctor tftcrwards held the commission of major; and Jonathaa
Weare, that of major, and subsequently colonel of the regiment.

24

J^iimes of soldiers from the town of Andover serving in the revolu'
lion.

Jihn Chandler, Nathaniel Call, Ezekiel Fellows,* Paul Smith
Marston, Thimas Sleeper, Joshua Danford, Edward Danford, Josi-
ah (I^ias, J iseph Tucker, Beojamii Fellows, Joseph Fellows, Rob-
ert Wise, Joha White, Thomas Welch.

Co'n^nittee of Safety inlllb. — Samuel Blake, Paul Smith Mars-
ton, Thomas Biake, Joseph Severens and Moses Clough.

Jnstir.o.'i nf the Pmc.e in Andover since 1779 — f Jonathan Weare,
tJacob B. Moore, Gphraim Eastman, Wi'liam Proctor, Robert Bar-
ber, Willard Enery, |Benjamin Thompson-
Robert Barber, Justice of the Peace and Quorum.

Hvilth and Longevity. — 4adoverhas weaerally been a healthy
towi, t^l )u»'ii fatal diseases have sometimes prevailed. The oldest
person wii ) ever lived ia Aadover was Job Kaaislone — he was a
member of the society of Friends, and lived to the ag-e of about 102
yea"3, ratiiniua: his activity uat'l withia a few months of his death.
Mrs. Ftrinnah Fuller was the oldest female : she died at the ag-e of
95. Tliere are several a!?(id people now residing^ in Andover, and
who were among the earliest settlers.

• Nflw a pea»ioner. t Deceased. | ResigTied.

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